Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel' - The Herb Society of America
Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel' - The Herb Society of America
Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel' - The Herb Society of America
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Herb</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>America</strong><br />
Promising Plants Pr<strong>of</strong>iles<br />
<strong>Mentha</strong> <strong>spicata</strong> <strong>'Kentucky</strong> <strong>Colonel'</strong><br />
Common Name: Kentucky Colonel Spearmint,<br />
spearmint<br />
Family: Lamiaceae<br />
Genus: <strong>Mentha</strong><br />
Specific Epithet: <strong>spicata</strong><br />
Cultivar: ‘Kentucky Colonel’<br />
Life cycle: perennial<br />
Zone: 5-9<br />
Flower color: lilac/lavender, pink,white to <strong>of</strong>f-white<br />
Bloom time: summer to early fall<br />
Photo courtesy <strong>of</strong> DeBaggio <strong>Herb</strong>s<br />
Growth: 24-36"<br />
Habit/Form: upright, spreading, ground cover<br />
Light requirements: full sun to partial shade<br />
Soil requirements: rich, moist, well-drained soil,<br />
does not grow well in dry soil.<br />
Propagation: s<strong>of</strong>twood cuttings, division<br />
Uses: culinary, medicinal, economical<br />
Other details: Official herb in the Kentucky Derby's mint julep drink, which is where it's name originated.<br />
Plant may be a noxious weed or invasive.<br />
Description: Large, dark green, crinkled leaves have serrated edges. Terminal spikes <strong>of</strong> lilac, pinkish,<br />
white flowers in the summer. Leaves have a characteristic spearmint flavor and taste.<br />
Cultivation: Easily grown in most soils. Do not overwater. Best grown in containers as it may be invasive.<br />
Prune to remove flower heads and encourage new vegetative growth. Mint can be invasive. Sink barriers at<br />
least a foot into the soil to discourage spreading <strong>of</strong> rhizomes or grow in containers.<br />
"An alternate choice if you can’t obtain ‘Madalene’s Double Mint’ is ‘Kentucky Colonel’ spearmint, <strong>Mentha</strong><br />
<strong>spicata</strong> ‘Kentucky Colonel’. <strong>The</strong> Spaniards thought so highly <strong>of</strong> this mint that they carried it all over the<br />
world with them in their explorations and trading. That explains why it is found around the world. <strong>The</strong> mint is<br />
so sweet it is almost like eating candy. This plant was selected and given its cultivar name by HSA’s very<br />
own Mary Peddie." - Gloria McClure, Promising Plants Presentation, 2008<br />
Please note: Pr<strong>of</strong>iles are intended to provide a brief introduction to each herb. For additional information, please refer to the References and<br />
Seed and Plant Source lists.<br />
Disclaimer: Pr<strong>of</strong>iles are intended to provide a brief introduction to each herb. For additional information on uses, including medicinal<br />
contraindications, see the References list. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Herb</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>America</strong> can not advise, recommend, or prescribe herbs for medicinal use.<br />
Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments. Inclusion <strong>of</strong> vendor information does not indicate an endorsement<br />
by <strong>The</strong> <strong>Herb</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>America</strong>, and HSA can not guarantee availability <strong>of</strong> seeds/plants.<br />
Text and images © 2008 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Herb</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>America</strong>
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